A two-run single by Washington Nationals' Chad Tracy falls between Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon, left, and shortstop Alcides Escobar during the fourth inning of a baseball game Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – Jordan Zimmermann rebounded from one of his worst career outings to go 7 2-3 strong innings, Ian Desmond hit his 18th home run, and the Washington Nationals beat the Kansas City Royals 7-2 Saturday night.

Zimmermann (15-7) tied St. Louis’ Adam Wainwright for the league lead in wins and sparked the surging Nationals to their fifth straight win, all on the road.

The right-hander, who allowed eight runs in five innings at Chicago last Monday, was charged with two runs and eight hits. He struck out seven and walked just one. After George Kottaras singled with two out in the fourth, Zimmerman retired 11 straight until Emilio Bonifacio walked with one out in the eighth.

The Nationals have won 11 of 15 overall while the Royals have been staggering.